Surveyor

Sawtooth Mining; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sawtooth Mining seeks a field and drafting professional to conduct ground and aerial surveys, process survey data, and provide AutoCAD drafting support for mining operations. The role installs, maintains, and troubleshoots machine control systems to ensure accurate positioning and operational efficiency.

Based at the Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, NV, you will work with engineering, geology, and operations teams to support mine planning, development, and production while upholding safety and

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of post-secondary education in civil engineering technology, surveying, or related discipline.
• FAA Part 107 drone license is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire.
• Experience with land surveying at a surface mining operation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform GPS and traditional surveying data collection.
• Calculate volumes and quantities for stockpiles, yards, ponds, and other mine features.
• Pilot UAS for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps and aerial photos.
• Create CAD outputs for volumes, haul designs, and 3‑D models; manage data in spreadsheets.
• Assist with pit inventory and end-of-month reporting and mapping.
• Construction staking of haul roads, ponds, boundaries, and related features.

Skills

Land surveying principles

Independent work

Strong communication

FAA Part 107 drone license

Education

Post-secondary education in civil engineering technology or surveying

Tools

AutoCAD

Carlson/Trimble

Microsoft 365

Job description

This position is responsible for conducting ground and unmanned aerial surveys, processing and managing survey data, and providing AutoCAD drafting support for mining operations. The role installs, maintains, and troubleshoots machine control systems to ensure accurate positioning and operational efficiency. Working closely with engineering, geology, and operations teams, the incumbent provides surveying and technical support essential to mine planning, development, and production activities, while adhering to all safety and regulatory requirements.

Work Location: Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, NV

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform job duties in accordance with MSHA law and regulations, established company safety procedures, and state and federal environmental regulations.
• Collect field data using GPS and traditional surveying equipment.
• Calculate volumes moved by equipment, including stockpile volumes, truck/shovel yards, pond capacities, etc.
• Establish control and targets for aerial surveys.
• Pilot UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) for aerial surveys and process data to produce topographic maps, calculate quantities, and produce aerial photos.
• Perform CAD applications such as volume computations, haul/ramp designs, and 3-D modeling.
• Manage data in spreadsheets as required.
• Calculate monthly pit inventory and ore severed for royalty payments, as well as end-of-month reports and maps.
• Construction staking of haul roads, ponds, boundaries, etc.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Create GPS files for equipment in the operations department.
• Install, maintain, and calibrate surveying and machine control equipment.
• Provide various survey support to departments for special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work independently or cooperatively with co-workers on projects while organizing day-to-day activities.
• Knowledge of land surveying and engineering principles and practices.
• Proficient in technology (AutoCAD, Carlson/Trimble, Microsoft 365).
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with surveying at a surface mining operation.
• Ability to work safely in all weather conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Minimum of two years of post-secondary education in civil engineering technology, surveying, or a related discipline and/or appropriate surveying and computer experience.
• Additional relevant surveying experience preferred.
• An FAA Part 107 drone license is required or must be obtained within 60 days of hire.

ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION:

• Intermittently: None
• Occasionally (0 – 1/3 of workday): lifting to 60 lbs. (lath, GPS equipment, briefcase); pushing and pulling 30 lbs. (supply drawers in survey vehicle); stooping, kneeling (pounding stakes, work over drafting table); crouching and crawling (pounding stakes and pins); reaching and handling (pulling lath off pallet, equipment out of survey vehicles).
• Frequently (1/3 – 2/3 of workday): carrying 50 lbs. (lath, GPS equipment, briefcase); climbing and balancing (spoils, pits survey, survey vehicles); fingering (run total station, data rec., computer work); depth perception (driving, all phases of surveying); color vision (AutoCAD, color coding maps, flagging, painting).
• Continually (2/3 – 3/3 of workday): standing and walking (staking and surveying); sitting (drafting, computer, survey vehicles); repetitive motion (computer work, data recording, driving, lath); speaking and hearing (radio communication and office work); seeing (all phases of surveying).

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate.

You must meet at least the specific minimum requirements listed above to be considered a qualified applicant.